The Skill Development Council, Canada has named a scholarship scheme after the founder of Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF), Professor Adeyinka Gladys Falusi.

The announcement was made during the foundation’s annual Gifting Day and empowerment program which was held on Wednesday, 13th December, 2023.

The scholarship scheme was in recognition of her over forty years of research and intellectual contribution in the field of sickle cell and her unflinching commitment in promoting the welfare of sickle cell warriors and caregivers.

Dignitaries like the Prof. Soliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, Hon. Comm. For Education Science and Technology, Prof. Aina Adeogun of the Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World, (OWSD), Ibadan, Mr. Dele Opeyemi of the Global Masters Institute Canada, and many more were there to grace the occasion with their goodwill message.

The event also featured the presentation of award of recognition to the foundation’s media and operation sponsors where CEOAFRICA and NTA Ibadan took the front line. There were also quiz and trivia about the foundation and sickle cell diseases where lots of gift were disbursed to sickle cell warriors and were empowered with at least two warriors going home with a grinding machine.

Professor Gladys Falusi, the winner of UNESCO-L’Oreal in 2001 and professor of Hematology started the foundation in 2012 to increase the awareness and improve the quality of care and support for sickle cell patients. The foundation has since then continued to lay a giant stride in the sickle cell world. She recently partnered with the Oyo state NYSC chapter and have been able to established the foundation presence in 5 major zones of NYSC in the state with the KYG campaign.

Professor Gladys expressed gratitude to God for the success of all the activities the foundation embarked on in the course of the year despite all the challenges they encountered, but with the sponsorship from pharmaceutical companies and collaboration with the NYSC, larger number of warriors reached and improved care are being rendered to them.

She equally lauds the efforts of the Nigerian government in their support for the sickle cell organization. She further pleads for more support from the government especially in the insurance aspect as the type of care and support the sickle cell patients require is a lifetime commitment.